3 brush fires burn across Southern California

LOS ANGELES 
Three brush fires broke out in Southern California on Tuesday but quick action by firefighters kept the flames away from homes.

A morning training exercise at the Camp Pendleton Marine base sparked a blaze that grew to 2,700 acres. The blaze started in the Aliso Canyon area and was 60 percent contained by evening.

Base firefighters, Orange County Fire Authority helicopters and U.S. Forest Service crews battled the flames, which is burning through undeveloped land.

In Ventura County, an afternoon brush fire threatened homes, burned at least 50 acres near a Camarillo neighborhood and sent up huge plumes of smoke that could be seen for miles.

Fire officials issued voluntary evacuation warnings as four helicopters and air tankers dropped water on the flames throughout the afternoon.

The fire came within a few feet of backyards as it burned uphill through steep canyons consuming the dry brush, said Captain Ron Oatman.

Many residents cleared defensible space around their property, which made the firefighters' work easier, he said. The blaze was 60 percent contained at 6 p.m.

Oatman said a preliminary investigation indicates the fire started at a homeless encampment.

In the San Gabriel Valley city of Walnut, a small blaze also briefly threatened homes, before Los Angeles County and West Covina firefighters contained it. Capt. Sam Padilla said 24 homes were evacuated and two firefighters suffered minor to moderate injuries.